My Caregiver JOURNAL As a caregiver for individuals in foster care, people rely on your strength, understanding, knowledge and dependability. But mostly, they count on your care. This journal will give you valuable tips and a place to record vital information, as well as space to write down your feelings and concerns.

DISCLAIMER: This book provides general information about caregiving and related issues. The information does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting with a licensed health professional. Consult with a qualified physician or healthcare practitioner to discuss specific individual issues or health needs and to professionally address personal medical concerns. The power to care.

Caring for someone is rarely easy. The balance between taking care of a child’s health, safety and emotions can be overwhelming. This workbook will give you some tools and resources to help you look after children placed in your care.

One key to remember is that when providing care, YOUR well-being should be top of mind. With your health, safety and emotions in check, you’ll be better prepared to care for another. So, take care of yourself, give of yourself and defi ne yourself with the power to care. What’s Inside Health Plan Information

Health Plan Information ...... 3 This is your workbook. Use it as a guide and My Child’s Information ...... 4 resource for your general caregiving routine. The Basics of Caregiving ...... 5 Make the workbook your own by fi lling out this info. Signs of the Times ...... 7 Roles of a Caregiver ...... 7 Primary Health Insurance Provider for My Child: Relationship Issues ...... 8 Why We Do It ...... 8 Health Plan: Communicate ...... 10 Respect Privacy ...... 10 Member Number: 10 Ways to Make Things Easier ...... 11 Group Plan Number: 5 Ways to Keep Yourself Healthy ...... 12 Keep Safety in Mind ...... 15 Member Services Number: Other Safety Tips ...... 18 Keeping It All Together ...... 19 Care Manager/Service Coordinator Name: Medication Log ...... 20

Health History ...... 22 Allergies ...... 23 Care Manager/Service Coordinator Phone Number: Fitness for You ...... 24 My Exercise Log ...... 26 Dealing with Stress ...... 28 24/7 Nurse Advice Line Phone Number: Rest, Relax, Recharge ...... 29 Ask for Help ...... 30 Take a Break ...... 31 Calling the Care Manager/Service Coordinator . . . . . 32 Managing Caregiving & Work ...... 33 Support Groups ...... 35 My Journal ...... 37 Resources for Caregivers ...... 44

3 My Child’s The Basics of Caregiving Information Date of Birth: CAREGIVER: Primary Care Doctor: Caregivers are broadly defi ned as foster Primary Care Doctor’s Phone: parents, parents, family members, friends Specialist Doctor: or neighbors who provide care to children in Specialist’s Phone: foster care. Specialist Doctor: Specialist’s Phone: While you have likely completed pre-service training in preparation Respite Care Provider: for caring for children in foster care, you may not have experienced Respite Care Provider Phone: fi rst-hand what it is like to parent a child other than your own. More Pharmacy Name: specifi cally, you might not have had the experience of parenting a child who has experienced signifi cant complex trauma. Pharmacy Phone: Providing care for a child is rarely easy. The time spent caring for Non-emergent Medical Transportation Name: someone who can’t care for him or herself can leave you physically Non-emergent Medical Transportation Phone: and emotionally tired. Emergency Contact Name & Phone: But if you’re the type of person willing to give of yourself to help Secondary Emergency Contact: someone else, this book might help. Guardian Ad Litem: CASA: Judge: Employer (if applicable to child): Employer Phone:

4 5 Caregiver Basics Signs of the Times Some children in foster care may need extra attention. Keep an eye out for these signs that the child in your care may require some additional help: Does your child have a primary disability or chronic condition? »Sleep diffi culties » Trouble paying attention at school » Fighting with peers »Excessive crying »Bullying » Unhealthy eating patterns Responses to Trauma: If you recognize these symptoms, please consult a therapist and your child’s caseworker/case manager. What supportive services or accommodations are needed? Roles of a Caregiver As a caregiver, you wear many hats: doctor, nurse, tutor, secretary, chauff eur, cook, housekeeper and social worker. Your duties may include:

» Keeping track of information on your child’s condition, treatment and care » Monitoring your child’s health » Helping your child make choices about his/her health » Handling your child’s emotional needs » Planning for your child’s future care and treatment

6 7 Relationship Caregiving isn’t without challenges. When asked, caregivers give Issues examples of stress like these:

Getting to know the child is important in providing the kind of » Loss of privacy care he or she needs. Your relationship may change during this » Limits on free time or a social life time, in good and bad ways. » Less time for other family members The secret to success is that it is really about the two people » Giving up vacations, hobbies or favorite activities recognizing this is a diffi cult time and being open to give and take. Realizing this will lead to a relationship that thrives. Be » Physical and mental exhaustion gentle, be caring and be understanding. » Frustration with not making progress with child » Financial strain

What do you think could become a problem Why We Do It for you during caregiving?

Caregiving provides many positive experiences for the caregiver. We feel good about ourselves when we are useful, especially by helping others who cannot care for themselves. We’re motivated by the belief that we’re doing the right thing. And we are.

Use the journal in the back of this book to explore your own reasons for caregiving and the feelings that go along with those reasons.

8 9 Communicate Ways to Make The child in your care might worry about being a burden, taking up your time and Things Easier asking too much of you. Create productive communication by doing these things: GET READY: Learn what is expected of you. Figure out » Show respect. 1 your schedule and how much time you can devote. » Watch what you say – try not to use phrases like “You never...” or “You always...”. 2 GET ORGANIZED: Organize medical and legal info and keep it up-to-date, in order and easy to fi nd. » Listen to the child’s feelings with compassion. » Build and encourage two-way conversations. 3 GET SUPPORT: Seek information and advice from other caregivers and support groups. » Allow him or her to show independence – your loved one has a right to his or her dignity, so allow him/her to do things in their own way. 4 GET TALKING: Learn the best ways to communicate with » Speak in ways that support the abilities of your loved one. the doctors and healthcare team. » Be reassuring when talking to the child in your care. 5 GET HELP: Take help from others who off er it. Don’t be » Notice fears and react in a positive manner. afraid to ask for specifi c tasks. » Work through disagreements to reach a solution. 6 GET HEALTHY: Take care of your own health so you are » Set aside time each day when the child knows you have the time and strong and well enough to care for another person. energy to listen. GET REST: A good night’s sleep every night and regular 7 breaks during the day will help you concentrate and have the energy to provide for others. Respect Privacy 8 GET HAPPY: Depression can be an issue when caregiving for another. Watch for signs and seek professional help if you need it. Please remember these precautions and ideas when addressing these issues: 9 GET THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY: Caring can be easier if » The child may request doors be left open. you’re open to using technology. Personal computers, tablets and smartphones can keep you connected to information, » The child’s anxiety level might rise at bath or bedtime. healthcare teams, pharmacies and the health plan. » The child might prefer a night light on. GET TO KNOW YOURSELF: You’re now doing one of the » Slow down and describe what you are about to do. Taking a more 10 toughest jobs there is. Figure out what makes you tick and relaxed approach will feel less like you are invading personal how understanding yourself can make you a great caregiver. territory. 10 11 5 WAYS TO EXERCISE & STAY ACTIVE 2 Exercise has many benefi ts, including relieving Keep Yourself Healthy stress and improving your mood. It may be hard to motivate yourself to exercise after a Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself. If you are not demanding and stressful episode(s) with your child, but it well-rested and healthy, you cannot tend to the healthcare will help you feel better. Regular exercise will also boost your needs of others. Follow these steps to keep your own health energy level and may help you feel less tired. and well-being an important part of your caregiving plan. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. It may be when you get up in the morning, during a lunch break, before SLEEP WELL dinner or later in the evening. 1 Don’t cut back on your sleep schedule. Trying to get more done by sleeping less rarely works. You need more sleep than you think you do. 3 EAT WELL Eight hours a night is normal. Cheating yourself Fuel your body with the best things to give you lasting energy: of this precious downtime means: »Fresh fruits »Vegetables » Your mood could change » Your stress may » Whole grains, like brown rice or oatmeal » Your energy level may reduce be greater » Lean proteins, like fi sh, chicken, eggs or beans » Your productivity could go down » Your ability to handle » Healthy fats like nuts and olive oil stress may weaken Sugar and caff eine may seem like they provide energy, but it doesn’t Sleep Chart: last. The energy rush crashes quickly, leaving you more tired. HEALTH / MOOD DAY / DATE HOURS SLEPT Healthy Foods Chart: the following day DAY / DATE TIME HEALTHY FOODS EATEN

Make copies of this chart or use a journal page to continue. Make copies of this chart or use a journal page to continue. 12 13 4 SEE YOUR DOCTOR 5 RELAX AND MEDITATE Make it a point to keep all of your doctor’s appointments, Setting aside time to unwind and meditate can be follow their instructions and take your prescribed medicine a great stress reliever. If you don’t have a block of and vitamins. Know your boundaries and don’t try to do too time, even just a few minutes in the middle of your much. To care for a loved one, you fi rst have to get your own day can get stress levels under control. Practice a health in order. routine of deep breathing, clearing your mind and Work with your doctor to fi ll out this focusing on positive thoughts. Consider adding yoga wellness chart. Compare your current or stretching to relax even more. numbers to your ideal numbers and work toward getting closer to those ideals. Repeating phrases or mantras may help you reduce stress and bring yourself back to calm. Here are some examples Wellness Chart: to get you started: My ideal blood pressure: My current blood pressure: » In every moment, peace is a choice. » All is well. » I did well. I don’t have to be perfect. My ideal LDL cholesterol: My current LDL cholesterol: » I will stay calm and carry on. » I surrender and let go. My ideal HDL cholesterol: My current HDL cholesterol: Keep Safety in Mind My ideal triglyceride level: My current triglyceride level: Safety for you and your child should always be a main concern.

General: My ideal weight: My current weight: Ensure all windows are locked on a routine basis. Install a carbon monoxide detector if your home uses gas. Keep poisonous house plants out of reach. For information about My ideal amount of time My current amount of time which plants are poisonous, visit the website of the Centers for staying physically active: staying physically active: Disease Control and Prevention. Do not use beaded pillows or furnishings with decorative objects that My ideal number of fruits My current number of fruits could be a choking hazard. and vegetables each day: and vegetables each day: If you use an infant carrier, always place it on the fl oor, never on the counter or tabletop.

14 15 Make sure garage doors have an auto stop function. If your children are old enough and approved to be home alone, Discuss the importance of turning the car off when parked in a make sure they understand the importance of not telling anyone closed garage. on the phone that they are alone. Always lock your car and car trunk, even if the car is parked in the Tell your child to call you when you they arrive home or at other driveway at home, and always keep keys out of the reach of little destinations. ones. Call 911 during emergencies. Use the family fi re escape plan in the case of a fi re. Electricity: Teach kids to never use appliances in the tub or shower (including Call the adults below if you need help phones, laptops and radios). N a m e: ______N u m b e r : ______Teach kids to never touch electric cords or appliances with wet N a m e: ______N u m b e r : ______hands. Internet Safety: Teach kids to never use electrical appliances in damp areas or while Discuss privacy settings – While not all social sites have privacy standing on damp fl oors. settings, many, like Facebook, do. Make sure your child’s Make sure that small children cannot pull lamps or other electrical settings are set so that the public cannot see what your child is objects on top of themselves. Use electrical tape to secure electrical posting. This will help prevent your child from identity theft and cords along baseboards. inappropriate communications. School: Access to the internet should be limited to common areas of the Make an arrangement with your child’s daycare to have them call home. you if the child doesn’t show up as expected. More daycare tips can Let your child know to come to you if anything makes them sad, be found at “https://www.webmd.com/baby/choosing-child-care”. scared or confused. If your children take a bus, visit the bus stop with them and make Have your child ask you before sharing information, such as their sure they know which bus to take. name, address, and phone number. Make a map with your children showing acceptable routes to school, Tell your child they must tell you immediately if someone they do using main roads and avoiding shortcuts or isolated areas. not know asks to meet them in person. Discuss the dangers of Walk the route to and from school with your children, pointing out befriending and meeting someone they don’t know. Let your child landmarks and safe places to go if they’re being followed or need know they will need your permission, you will accompany them, help. and meet in a public place. Ensure your child has a friend with whom to walk home. Discuss other ways your children can protect themselves online, Tell your child to tell you if a “new” friend from school asks to join on such as by not responding to someone who makes them feel the walk home or asks to meet after school. uncomfortable, or is rude or off ensive; and by reporting the Discuss the importance of keeping the house key out of sight. incident to the police, if needed. Be careful when you put your child’s name on clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes or bicycle license plates. If a child’s name is visible, it BRIGHT IDEA may put them on a “fi rst name” basis with an abductor. Put motion-sensor lights in the bathroom, Advise your child to lock the doors once they’re in the house. hallways, stairways and bedrooms. Discuss the need to not open the door for strangers. 16 17 Other Safety Tips Keeping It All Together As a caregiver, you will need to keep all forms and info » When not in use, store clothing, bedding and other items organized and at your fi ngertips at all times. Fill out these forms and keep them with you. Keep this info where they can be reached with ease. private, to be shared only with parties approved by your child welfare team. » Make sure the water heater is set at a safe temperature (120°F or lower). MEDICATION LOG » Make sure items used often are placed within reach. Use this log to keep track of your child’s medicine schedule if your licensing agency or child welfare agency does not provide you a log. » Lock up cleaning supplies or fl ammable liquids. Share this list with your loved one, family members and healthcare team so all know of the medicines taken and the schedule for taking them.

» Keep a fi rst aid kit in an easy to fi nd place. Child’s Name: Date of Birth: Local Pharmacy Name: Phone: BRIGHT IDEA Pharmacy Address: Mail Order Pharmacy: Set yourself a calendar reminder to Mail Order Pharmacy Phone/Website: periodically check to ensure smoke Over-the-Counter Medications detectors and carbon monoxide Allergy Relief/Antihistamines: detectors are in working order and Antacids: placed appropriately. Aspirin/Other Pain or Fever Relief: Cold/Cough Medicines: Herbal Supplements: Laxatives: Sleeping Pills: Vitamins/Minerals: Other:

18 19 Prescription Medications Prescription Medications

MEDICINE 1 MEDICINE 2 MEDICINE 5 MEDICINE 6 MEDICINE NAME MEDICINE NAME

DOSE DOSE

WHEN TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE

WHY IS IT TAKEN? WHY IS IT TAKEN?

START DATE START DATE

END DATE END DATE

PRESCRIBED BY PRESCRIBED BY

SIDE EFFECTS OR SIDE EFFECTS OR DANGER SIGNS DANGER SIGNS

MEDICINE 3 MEDICINE 4 MEDICINE 7 MEDICINE 8 MEDICINE NAME MEDICINE NAME

DOSE DOSE

WHEN TO TAKE WHEN TO TAKE

WHY IS IT TAKEN? WHY IS IT TAKEN?

START DATE START DATE

END DATE END DATE

PRESCRIBED BY PRESCRIBED BY

SIDE EFFECTS OR SIDE EFFECTS OR DANGER SIGNS DANGER SIGNS

20 21 Health History Allergies Check the items that apply to your care List all food, medication, environmental and other recipient’s past or present state of health. factors to which your care recipient may be allergic.

LAST Physical Health ALLERGEN REACTION TREATMENT INSTANCE Asthma Arthritis Diabetes-Type I Cancer Heart Condition Diabetes-Type II Hepatitis A Hemodialysis High Cholesterol Dialysis Kidney Disease High Blood Pressure Rheumatic Fever Seizures Stomach/Intestinal Problems Stroke Thyroid Disorders Tuberculosis Tumor Other: ______

Behavioral Health ADD/ADHD Eating Disorder Attachment Disorder Neurological Disorder PTSD Intellectually Disabled Anxiety Disorder Mood Disorder The most common allergy triggers: Suicidal thoughts Substance Use Disorder Certain Animal dander Certain foods medications Cutting/Self-harm Other Behavioral Condition: Dust mites Insect stings Latex Autism Spectrum Disorder ______Mold Pollen

22 23 DANCE Fitness for You Dancing, such as ballroom dancing, square dancing, and salsa dancing can keep you active and fi t. Dancing also helps your Caring for someone else can be time-consuming balance and builds your endurance. and exhausting. Spending your free time exercising might seem like the last thing on your list. But it just GET ACTIVE WITH THE KIDS might be the best thing for your body. Exercise can: Grab your kids and go for a hike, play basketball, get to the park and be active. They need exercise as much as you do. Hold » Keep you from getting sick friendly competitions each week and get everyone involved. » Help you sleep better » Give you energy to last through the day TRY A TEAM SPORT Softball, bowling, volleyball and tennis teams form regularly. » Lower blood pressure and cholesterol Join one and stay active as you compete. »Lower stress » Make you a better caregiver TURN CHORES INTO FITNESS Activity comes in many forms. Gardening, raking leaves, mowing the grass, shoveling snow, grocery shopping and washing the car all help burn calories and keep you active If exercising feels more like a chore, you’re much less likely and moving. to do it. The good news: exercise can be easy and fun.

FIND A FITNESS FRIEND REMEMBER: Exercise is vital for caregivers. Pick a friend who has a lot of energy and you enjoy being around. Set a goal of 30 – 40 minutes of moderate exercise Motivate each other to develop a fi tness routine and stick to it. three or more times a week. Have fun while you walk, jog, bike or work out. Always talk to your doctor or healthcare team before TRY A GROUP FITNESS CLASS starting any exercise program. Many parks and community centers have fi tness activities. Look for classes that teach yoga, tai chi, swimming, step aerobics and even martial arts. You’ll meet new people, learn new things and improve your overall wellness.

24 25 My Exercise Log My Exercise Log

TIME LENGTH OF TIME TIME LENGTH OF TIME DAY / DATE EXERCISE DAY / DATE EXERCISE OF DAY (REPETITIONS) OF DAY (REPETITIONS)

26 27 Dealing with Stress Rest, Relax, Recharge As a caregiver, you face a lot of physical, mental, and It’s essential to switch off your caregiver mode emotional demands. You may feel the pressure and stress of and relax. Stress and burnout are real risks. your situation, and think you are in over your head with little or no control. Watching for the signs of stress can help you better handle it. It’s easy to fi nd ways to relax that won’t cost a lot of money. There are SIGNS OF CAREGIVER STRESS many little things you can do to reduce caregiver stress: Check the ones you’ve experienced yourself since serving » Take a long bath » Go see a movie as a caregiver: » Take a walk » Plant some fl owers or do some Anxiety Depression gardening » Bake a favorite dish or dessert Irritability Tiredness/run down feeling »Practice yoga » Read a relaxing book Sleep problems Short temper » Talk to a friend » Browse the library Problems focusing Resentful feelings » Listen to soothing music in a low-lit and comfortable place Drinking more Smoking more

Eating more Neglecting duties

Health problems Cutting back on free time activities What other relaxing activities do you enjoy that serve to de-stress you?

What other signs of stress have you experienced?

28 29 Ask for Help Take a Break

You can’t - nor should you have to - do this alone. You owe it to yourself. Your child most likely needs the Trying to tackle all the duties and burdens of caring for break, too. Add breaks to your schedule and make sure a child in foster care on your own won’t work. you take them. You’ll be a better caregiver by giving yourself rest and time to do the things you need and want » Let those around you know when you need help. to do for yourself. » Spread out the duties and get as many family members involved as you can. Set up a schedule and assign times and » Set aside at least 30 minutes of “Me Time” each day. This is time tasks. to do what makes you feel good, relaxed and unstressed. Enjoy » Don’t say no to help when off ered by a family member or friend. this time without guilt and make it a priority in your day. Many people will want to help, and you’ll feel better by taking it. » Raise your spirits while you lower your blood pressure. Take a » You can’t control every part of your care plan. Let people help and long, candle-lit bubble bath, read a magazine, or do anything don’t micro-manage their eff orts. That can harm their desire to help. that relaxes you and makes you feel special. » Make a contact list of those you think will be willing to help. » Laughter is a known stress reliever. Watch a funny movie or TV show. Read a funny book. Talk to a friend who knows how to » Create a schedule and document your loved one’s likes and dislikes bring out your smile. and regular routine. » Go shopping with a friend. Go for a walk or a drive while others are caring for your loved one. My helper resources:

NAME PHONE TASKS Make a list of nearby places that you enjoy visiting:

30 31 Calling the Care Manager/ Managing Caregiving & Work Service Coordinator Millions of Americans juggle the challenges of parenting with The Care Manager/Service Coordinator is there to support you a full-time or part-time job. This struggle for balance can lead and is an important part of your child’s treatment team. to emotional fatigue, physical exhaustion and distraction. While there are many reasons to call, here are some to keep in mind*: This reality of life has led many employers to be more » Change in condition or available support needs generous with allowing their workforce to accommodate » ER visit these demands. Some companies even help with fi nding » Hospital admission community resources, counseling, legal and fi nancial aid and »Fall support groups for caregivers. Many off er fl ex time or leave for » Signifi cant injury their employees caring for a child in need. If you have a full or » New diagnosis or medication part-time job, look into the options your company off ers. »Diffi culty getting an appointment with a provider » Potential change in living or work arrangement for the child » Need for additional caregiver task training Tips for Managing Work » Durable Medical Equipment (DME) broken or in need of repair » Assistance with fi nding a provider or changing providers and Caregiving: » Referrals and assistance with accessing health care services LEARN THE COMPANY POLICIES » Requesting more information about your child’s health condition 1 Read your employee handbook or speak with someone from » Attendant provider not providing the agreed upon services Human Resources (HR) to fi nd out the company’s policy » Behavioral health or substance abuse concerns regarding time off for caregiving. Your company may have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides benefi ts » Help with identifying community resources (transportation, housing, clothing, support groups, etc.) for caring for foster and/or adoptive children. » Assistance with children transitioning to adulthood (help with housing, education, employment, mentorship, etc.) KNOW YOUR RIGHTS * Nothing within this book should be viewed as medical advice. In the case 2 The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of a medical emergency, contact your healthcare provider or call 911. sets policies and rules regarding foster parenting and requirements for leave requests, sick leave, etc. Ask your HR department for info.

32 33 TALK TO YOUR MANAGER 3 Tell your manager about your caregiving duties and Support Groups demands. Ask about changing your work times if your You can’t go it alone, but fi nding friends, allies and caregiving calls for being away from your job. Be honest emotional outlets nearby can sometimes be a about this demand on your time and let your manager challenge. That’s where support groups come in. know you’re willing to work other hours to make up for time lost while caregiving. » First becoming a caregiver. » Learning about caregiving. » Sharing your stories and concerns with others who ASK ABOUT FLEX-TIME » Dealing with the stress of caregiving. have similar experiences. 4 Ask your manager about altering your work schedule, going Support groups listen to your concerns and problems, giving from full-time to part-time or working earlier or later shifts expert answers to your questions and off ering advice. In to accommodate your caregiving needs. time, you’ll be able to off er advice to others in need. The fi rst thing you’ll learn pretty quickly is that you aren’t in this alone. Others are in the same situation, with similar problems and challenges. STAY ORGANIZED Some of these groups may be found locally. Others you’ll be 5 Try to manage your time as best as you can. Write to-do able to reach online. lists and use calendar reminders. Make a list of priorities and address those fi rst. Don’t be afraid to assign tasks to others in the family to help with the caregiving. HOW SUPPORT GROUPS WORK Local in-person groups: 6 APPRECIATE » Group members live nearby and meet regularly. Be thankful and appreciative of your coworkers and » At each session, you make new friends and speak managers who help out with your job duties while you face-to-face about your concerns while listening to others. are going through these tough times. Off er to take on »The meetings off er a social outlet, and a chance to get out of the extra work when you can and help others who may fi nd house so you don’t feel alone. themselves in a situation like yours. » In most cases, the meetings will be held at a set time and place. Attending regularly will help you get the most out of these DID YOU KNOW? support group sessions. Your community might have approved » Learn about local resources from the other local group members. These may include doctors and specialists, health and fi nancial respite care options. Be sure you ask programs or other outlets that could be of help to you. your caseworker/case manager. 34 35 ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS My Journal » Group members are from all over the world, meeting online to talk about their concerns. Use these pages to start journaling about your caregiving » You can fi nd these groups online through email, websites, experiences. Once these pages are full, keep your thoughts message boards, social media or through recommendations going in another notebook. from healthcare providers. » If you’re short on time or can’t leave the house, online support groups may be ideal. » These groups are most likely easy to reach at any time, off ering help when you need it. » Help will come from a variety of online participants, so fi nding answers to even your most unique questions and concerns is likely. You can fi nd a community support group by checking the local phone book, by dialing the United Way at 2-1-1, by asking your doctor or hospital, or by calling your Care Manager/Service Coordinator.

MY LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Name of Group: Dates/Times: Location:

MY ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP Name of Group: Web Address:

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 Resources for Caregivers Adopt Us Kids Generations United adoptuskids.org gu.org ATTACh Medicaid Attach.org Medicaid.gov Autism Speaks National Alliance on autismspeaks.org Mental Illness Centene Foster Care NAMI.org centenefostercare.com 1-800-950-NAMI(6264) National Child Traumatic Child Development Institute Stress Network childdevelopmentinfo.com nctsn.org Child Welfare Information Gateway National Foster Parent Association childwelfare.gov nfpaonline.org Child Welfare League of America National Suicide Hotline cwla.org 1-800-273-8255 Court Appointed Special North American Council on Advocates Adoptable Children casaforchildren.org nacac.org Creating a Family Quality Parenting Initiative creatingafamily.org qpi4kids.org Disability Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services ADA.gov Administration Family Focused Treatment samhsa.gov Association U.S. Dept. of Education ff ta.org ed.gov

© 2019 Centene Corporation. All rights reserved. All materials are exclusively owned by Centene Corporation and are protected by United States and international copyright law. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Centene Corporation. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice. v.2 My Caregiver Journal SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU. Caregiver roles can vary, but all exist because someone needs help and care. To support you in your important role, this journal provides tips, resources and tools to assist you in looking after your child and yourself.

Topics in this book include: » Caregiving basics » Organization » Safety » Support groups and resources » Your health and fi tness » And more » Dealing with stress and burnout

978-0-9916168-3-1